Context
Recently, a High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development was held under the auspices of the U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The solutions offered by indigenous tribal communities in Rajasthan to global challenges, and their role in policy execution were highlighted at this forum.
UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
- About: ECOSOC is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, established by the UN Charter in 1945. It is responsible for the direction and coordination of the economic, social, humanitarian, and cultural activities carried out by the UN. Decisions in ECOSOC are taken by a simple majority vote, and the presidency changes annually.
- Members: ECOSOC has 54 members elected for three-year terms by the General Assembly. Four of the five permanent members of the Security Council have been continuously re-elected due to their significant funding contributions to ECOSOC’s budget, which is the largest of any UN subsidiary body.
- Function: ECOSOC coordinates the social and economic fields of the organization, specifically concerning the 15 specialized agencies, five regional commissions, and eight functional commissions under its jurisdiction. It serves as a central forum to discuss international social and economic issues and formulate policy recommendations addressed to member states and the UN system.
Rajasthan’s Tribal Communities in Tackling Global Challenges
Background: The HLPF on Sustainable Development was recently held at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
- Established by the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in 2012, the HLPF is the central platform for the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs.
- The forum was held under the auspices of ECOSOC with the theme, “Reinforcing the 2030 agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: The effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions.”
Forum Highlights: A ministerial declaration adopted at the forum called for renewed impetus to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- The forum acknowledged the role of indigenous communities for their solutions in biodiversity and ecosystems contexts.
- It emphasized that indigenous practices, rooted in reverence for nature and community-centric approaches, promote sustainability and resilience, essential for reinforcing the 2030 agenda amid the crisis.
Principles and Initiatives: Drawing from the principles of swaraj (sovereignty), the tribal lifestyle and cultural values have led to self-sufficiency, reduced dependence on external sources, and improved agricultural practices.
- Initiatives based on seed sovereignty, soil sovereignty, food and nutrition sovereignty, water sovereignty, and cultural sovereignty have empowered tribal communities in the state to collectively overcome critical challenges.
Best Practices of Tribals Highlighted at the Forum
The best practices of tribal communities highlighted at the forum included:
- Production of Local Seeds: Ensuring seed sovereignty and crop diversity.
- Water Conservation at Source: Implementing sustainable water management practices.
- Use of Animals in Agriculture: Integrating traditional animal husbandry with farming.
- Checking Soil Erosion Through Mixed Cropping: Adopting mixed cropping methods to prevent soil degradation.
- Use of Uncultivated Food for Nutritional Security: Utilizing naturally occurring food sources for better nutrition.
These practices have helped tribal communities reduce their dependence on the market and survive during difficult phases, including the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-21.
Challenges Faced by Tribal Communities
- The struggle of the tribal population to preserve their indigenous practices and the challenges of survival amid malnourishment, weather variability and resource losses were highlighted at a side event at the U.N. High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. The pandemic has immensely affected their livelihood and economy.
- Increased commercialisation is responsible for disturbing indigenous practices, leading to inequalities and new challenges.
- The development of the tribal-dominated region was adversely affected by factors such as low productivity caused by soil erosion, malnourishment, climate change, poorly managed rainfed farming, loss of resources and fast reducing biodiversity.
Conclusion
At the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at the UN, the solutions of Rajasthan’s indigenous tribal communities were highlighted as key to tackling global challenges. Their practices, which emphasize natural and community-centric approaches, promote sustainability and resilience essential for the 2030 Agenda. Key practices include local seed production, water conservation, animal-assisted agriculture, mixed cropping to prevent soil erosion, and using uncultivated food for nutrition. These methods have enhanced tribal resilience, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. The forum recommended strengthening tribal livelihoods by linking resource management in agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, and medicinal products, and promoting climate-resilient farming systems. Recognizing and empowering tribal practices is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Mains Practice Question
Q. Evaluate the role of Rajasthan’s tribal communities in addressing global challenges as highlighted at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum. Discuss how their traditional practices contribute to sustainable development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). What lessons can be learned from their experiences for broader policy implementation?